Scale: % at or above proficient
Grade 3
English Language Arts

98% (2009)

91% (2008)

95% (2007)

70% (2006)
The state average for English Language Arts was 57% in 2009.
Math

65% (2009)

86% (2008)

66% (2007)

59% (2006)
The state average for Math was 60% in 2009.
Source: MA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009
Grade 4
English Language Arts

58% (2009)

66% (2008)

58% (2007)

30% (2006)
The state average for English Language Arts was 53% in 2009.
Math

35% (2009)

62% (2008)

39% (2007)

17% (2006)
The state average for Math was 48% in 2009.
Source: MA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009
Grade 5
Science

17% (2009)

19% (2008)

22% (2007)

23% (2006)
The state average for Science was 49% in 2009.
English Language Arts

50% (2009)

31% (2008)

66% (2007)

25% (2006)
The state average for English Language Arts was 63% in 2009.
Math

28% (2009)

32% (2008)

20% (2007)

30% (2006)
The state average for Math was 54% in 2009.
Source: MA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009
About the Tests
- In 2008-2009 Massachusetts used the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) to test students in grades 3 though 8 and 10 in English language arts and math and in grades 5 and 8 in science.
- The grade 10 MCAS is a high school graduation requirement.
- The MCAS is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Massachusetts.
- The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the test.
Testing in Massachusetts: An Overview
See Massachusetts' state standards
Compare with test results from nearby schools